Taxi Driver Online

Wirral taxi drivers told to smarten up with dress code

Taxi drivers in Wirral have been banned from wearing tracksuits, flip-flops or dirty clothing under a new dress code introduced by the council. Licensing committee councillors voted in favour of the guidelines after members expressed shock at the appearance of some drivers.

It means Hackney carriage and private hire cabbies must follow a list of acceptable standards of dress. The code, described by Unite union as "over the top", is not legally binding.

Licensing Committee chair, Councillor Sue Taylor, came up with the idea after members said they were shocked at the "state" of some drivers appearing before their panel. She told the BBC the council wanted to "raise the bar" and improve the image of the borough's cabbies.

"We're not looking for top hat and tails or anything outlandish, it really is just to smarten up," said Mrs Taylor. "We don't want tracksuits, we don't want torn clothing, we don't want drivers sat in a vest - it's just not acceptable. "We just want a bit more of a professional image for the people who live here, visit here and bring business here."

According to the committee, the code has the support of the taxi Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) and the Unite union. However, Derek Cummins of the Unite taxi section, described it as a qualified welcome, branding the council's final approved dress code as "ludicrous" and over the top.

"We have no problem with the raising of any standards as long as they are not intrusive or prescriptive. "Common sense should apply but unfortunately Wirral licensing are not on speaking terms with common sense.

"Things like inappropriate tattoos - what's that ? I'm an Evertonian and I might dislike Liverpool Football Club tattoos and think they're inappropriate. "It is so vague it needs to be tightened." Enforcement officers will report back to the panel on any driver considered to be in breach of the dress code.

According to Mr Cummins, problems may arise if the council tries to take any action against persistent offenders - because the dress code is not covered by any by-law. "It is pointless bringing something out which is toothless and that is really what they will be doing," he added.

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IDFIMH

It clearly shows that there is no repect shown towards the councillors if you turn up at a panel meeting in a vest top, shorts and flip flops, which is what one of the drivers did when he was pleading his case to keep his license (or so the story goes).

When I first obtained my license I was given a dress code then so it's nothing new here, but, they have obviously decided to take matters a little more seriously now. Having said that is there really anything that can be done anyway with regards to the taxi drivers given that they are governed by by-laws

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

They should also be made to cut their perms and shave of their mousers
alright alright calm down calm down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIhFwLjs ... re=related

Says he... of the blue hair and big red nose

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!

Licensing Officer in Ashfield dashed into the meeting of the Hackney Committee and screamed..

"The Drivers are turning ugly"

Chair of the Committee looked up and said...

"Tell 'em to get a shave and an 'aircut".

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Chris The Fish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mc ... re=related

Only right I say.

But remember when the councils feel the need to adopt such a moronic stance it is rarely becuase of the behaviour of anything other than a very small minority.

and therefore such things need not concern those who go to their work presented as they should be.

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

alright alright calm down calm down

According to Mr Cummins, problems may arise if the council tries to take any action against persistent offenders - because the dress code is not covered by any by-law. "It is pointless bringing something out which is toothless and that is really what they will be doing," he added.

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!

dundee council brought in a strict dress code a few years back it was ignored then and is still ignored now

"I don't do this, that or the other so why does the Council bring in moronic things to stop me from doing this that or the other"

because there are people who don't .............................. my post merely suggested the Councils need to bring them up to standard and NOT stop the people who do the job right from continuing to do so.

People sometimes take every Council decision as a reflection of them personally.

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

That's an interesting view, but one I don't share.

If I was the council head honcho I would just include it in the 'fit and proper' criteria for the license, not list it as a separate entity.

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IDFIMH

Whats the matter with a shirt or polo shirt, trousers, or smart unripped jeans, and shoes and socks instead of Jesus wellies

The majority of the drivers here won't be affected by this statement, it is indeed just a minority on both sides of the trade. However I believe GA is right in saying that drivers take things personally even when it doesn't apply to them. I'm sure it'll give them something to moan about on the ranks for a few days

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!